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WILKES-BARRE - Pennsylvania's Secretary of Revenue visited Wilkes-Barre on Friday to make a case for Gov. Tom Corbett proposed budget for next year, which include ambitious reforms to the state's pension system and liquor sales.

Dan Meuser, of Jackson Township, spoke at a luncheon hosted by the Pennsylvania Economic League at Genetti's in Wilkes-Barre.

His visit comes as Corbett pushes a budget that calls for a 2.4 percent increase in spending and reforms to the state's tax code, employee pensions and liquor sales system. Meuser outlined Corbett's goals for the state and said the budget would be a key component to achieving them.

Meuser said fiscal discipline would be an important part in maintaining a balanced budget. He claimed Corbett had cut administrative spending by 6.3 percent since 2010 by eliminating more than 900 government positions.

The tax reforms, which include lowering the corporate net income tax and eliminating other taxes on businesses, would make Pennsylvania more friendly to companies and attract investment to the state, Meuser said. He claimed the reforms would create more than 18,000 jobs in 10 years and generate more than a $1 billion in new taxes by 2030.

"Ultimately, that's what we need in Pennsylvania," Meuser said. "You create investment, you create jobs, you create business expansion, you create improvement in quality of life, and you create increases in revenues."

Meuser praised Corbett's attempt to privatize the state's liquor sales and dismantle the 600-store network of state-operated liquor stores. A bill approved by the House in March will create 1,200 private wine and spirits retail licenses and allows grocery and convenient stores to sell beer and wine. Meuser said the bill will lead to a one time injection of $1 billion into state schools.

Meuser also advocated for Corbett's proposed pension reform, which will place new employees on defined contribution plans similar to a 401(k). The reforms would also change how current employees' pensions are calculated. Meuser said the estimated $175 million savings generated by pension reforms would also go toward education.

chong@citizensvoice.com

570-821-2052, @CVChrisHong

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